Mariah Carey's J.Lo Move: Is Singer Using 'American Idol' To Reignite Music Career?

Posted 7/24/12 2:30 pm EST by in American Idol, Mariah Carey

Mariah

We are very excited that Mariah Carey is set to join "American Idol" in the fall. I mean, we've never really watched "A.I.," but we might give it a shot now just to see what the famously loopy diva has to say, especially to the less-than-talented contestants that audition early on and don't make it through. Mariah Carey doesn't hide her feelings, so we're hoping for some Cowell-level slights mixed with diva eye rolling. It's going to be amazing.

The motives behind the singer's decision to sign up for FOX's long-running reality singing competition still aren't clear. We're sure the $18 million check she'll cash for just one season if "Idol" certainly has something to do with it, but Mariah Carey has all the money in the world – her estimated net worth is $500 million. No, we think there's more to it than money. Mariah is looking to pull a J.Lo.

>> Can Mariah Carey Save 'American Idol'?

Before signing on to join "Idol" in 2011, Lopez's career was, well, not exactly thriving. Her 2010 rom-com "The Back-Up Plan" bombed and before it she hadn't starred in a film since the 2006 misfire "El Cantante." Her 2007 album Brave also failed to get much attention, debuting at a career-worst #12 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Then suddenly, things turned around dramatically. Lopez's single "On the Floor" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart at number nine (the highest debut of her career) and went on to peak at No. 3. It marked her first top ten hit since 2003's "All I Have." With nearly 570 million views on YouTube, the video for "On the Floor" is the most watched video ever by a female artist ever on the video-watching website. (Justin Bieber's "Baby" remains the YouTube champion by a substantial margin with more than 761 million views.)

With Lopez seated behind the "Idol" judges table, the juggernaut show posted its first season-over-season ratings gain since 2007 (though it went on to falter in her second season on the show). Her album Love? was released in April 2011 and debuted at No. 5, her highest position on the US album chart since 2005. Even film roles are starting to crop up again; this year, Lopez starred in "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and voiced a character in the fourth "Ice Age" film. She's also already filmed director Taylor Hackford's ("Ray") thriller "Parker" opposite Jason Statham and Clifton Collins Jr.

>> Why Mariah Carey Will Make Me Watch 'American Idol' For The First Time

In May, she topped Forbes magazine's list of the most powerful celebrities and she is now touring the world with Enrique Iglesias in support of her best-of package, Dance Again … The Hits.

So things are going, you know, pretty well. Read More...

Tags ,

Madonna Burns Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Again: 'I’m Glad That I Helped Gaga Write It'

Posted 7/24/12 1:30 pm EST by in Lady Gaga, Madonna

Madonna

By Meredith Goldberg-Morse

We’re beginning to think Madonna may have a bit of a problem with Lady Gaga.

The Queen of Pop, who is clearly no stranger to controversy, first commented on similarities between Gaga’s anthem "Born This Way" and her own 1989 single "Express Yourself" earlier this year, famously calling "Born This Way" "reductive" during an interview with ABC News. She now performs a mash-up of the two songs on her current world tour, ending the medley with the chorus to her song "She’s Not Me," about an inferior woman trying to steal her style. Hey, no one ever accused her of being subtle.

In case we didn’t already get the message, Madonna recently joked in an interview with a Brazilian TV show, “I’m a really big fan of [‘Born This Way’]. I’m glad that I helped Gaga write it.”

Lady Gaga, however, isn’t laughing. Though she has yet to respond to this latest dig, she addressed Madonna’s initial criticism at a June performance, explaining, "It sometimes makes people feel better about themselves to put other people down or make fun of them or maybe make a mockery of their work, and that doesn’t make me feel good at all. That just makes me feel like I’m not being a good human being."

Come on, ladies—this isn’t a monarchy. Can’t the world of pop music have more than one ruler?

Listen to both songs after the jump and decide for yourself!

Read More...

Tags ,

Flo Rida To Release Workout DVD?

Posted 7/24/12 12:30 pm EST by in Flo Rida

Flo Rida

By Cristina Recino

Yes, you read correctly. Flo Rida has a workout DVD in the works, according to Billboard, who talked to the rapper about his upcoming projects at the Teen Choice Awards.

"I’ve always been about fitness," he said, "and my fans can definitely appreciate that."

The rapper said he has a very specific fitness regimen that gives him the rock hard body on display in many of his music videos. "I'm definitely going to do that,” he told Billboard. "I have quite a workout regimen."

The DVD’s release could come as early as later this year. He says the workout will be "flexible," so fans should have no trouble doing it at home.

This could be a cool new venture for Flo, but if his idea of a workout is to “put your lips together and come real close,” we’re not sure fans are going to exercise or sexercise.

Flo's latest album, Wild Ones, hit stores earlier this month. The hitmaker is enjoying some big success on the Billboard charts with his singles "Whistle" and "Wild Ones," which sit at numbers 7 and 13, respectively, on the Hot 100.

Get More: Music News

would you buy Flo Rida's workout DVD? Let us know in the comments below!

Tags

Rihanna Breaks Toe On Vacation As Chris Brown Rumors Continue To Swirl

Posted 7/24/12 11:39 am EST by in Chris Brown, Rihanna, Tweet Beat

Rihanna

By Zachary Swickey

While pop star Rihanna is a notorious party gal, she’s not typically associated with major party fouls… like, say, breaking her toe while attempting to play barkeep on vacation in France.

Poor Riri was just trying to have some fun when she dropped a bottle on her toe. Her assistant, Jennifer Rosales, captured the moment in true 21st Century fashion – by Instagram-ing the photo with the caption, “It is not a vacation until someone breaks a toe.”

Rihanna echoed Rosales’ statement, tweeting, “Bartending last night, dropped a bottle, broke it, my foot is still bleeding!!!”

The singer has been relaxing with her gal pals on an extended vacation in the French Mediterranean on a luxury yacht owned by Magic Johnson. She's also reportedly been hosting some interesting vacay companions.

Rapper Ludacris tweeted that he was headed to Ri’s vacation destination, writing, “St Tropez France here I come," and soon after, Rihanna's ex chris Brown responded that he was joining him.

"This ni**a Luda flying the damn helicopter! I'm sh**ing bricks right now" and "Landed on the boat!" Brown said via Twitter, according to our pals at MTV RapFix.

Shortly thereafter, Rihanna tweeted, “Touch down baby, help me pick out my fit,” which suggested to many that Brown was joining Rihanna on vacation. Just last month, the former lovers were seen allegedly sharing champagne in NYC.

Chris Brown’s rep was quick to shoot down the rumors, insisting that Brown is indeed vacationing in St. Tropez, but with his current model girlfriend Karrueche Tran.

Brown’s rep told HollyScoop, “CB [Chris Brown] is in France to shoot a music video for Swizz Beatz album (sic) and Ludacris is in it. It's Swizz's song. Karrueche is there with him... They never broke up.

"He is not on her (Rihanna's) yacht. There is no Rihanna connection,” he continued.

For more, visit MTV RapFix.

Tags , ,

Why Mariah Carey Will Make Me Watch 'American Idol' For The First Time

Posted 7/23/12 5:32 pm EST by in American Idol, Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey

While I have long been an avid consumer of our popular culture, there is one tent pole that I have avoided. At first, it was a pointed protest against what I thought was a silly televised karaoke contest. Later, after it proved to be a star-maker, I stayed away out of spite; what entertainment value would I, then a cultured college student working on being as pretentious as possible, get out of this live singing spectacle. These days, I avoid it out of apathy – outside of the day-to-day business of still being one of the biggest shows on TV, something I cover professionally, I haven't thought about "American Idol" as got-to entertainment in years.

That all changed this afternoon (July 23) when it was announced that Mariah Carey was on board – for real this time, officially – to take up one of the seats at the judges' table recently vacated by Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

While I still have almost no interest in "Idol," I have endless interest in Carey, who is not only an unquestionably talented singer but also slightly out-there and such a huge star that there isn't a PR team, label A&R guy or TV junior executive that will be able to stop her from saying and doing exactly as she wants … And that's awesome, because the things she usually wants to do are magic (like this).

Here are three reasons I will watch "American Idol" for the first time now that Mariah Carey is judging. Read More...

Tags ,

Channel Chastised For Not Including Epilepsy Warning Before Airing Nicki Minaj Video

Posted 7/23/12 3:30 pm EST by in nicki minaj

Nicki Minaj

By Zachary Swickey

While Nicki Minaj is no stranger to controversy, the newest complaint targeting the singer is rather unique – British TV channel Starz TV is being publicly criticized by a media regulatory group for not warning viewers that Minaj’s video for “Beez in the Trap” could cause seizures in people with epilepsy.

Apparently, UK media regulator Ofcom is taking issue with the clip's many flashing lights, saying there are five sections in the “Beez in the Trap” video in which lighting levels surpass prescribed guidelines. Ofcom states that Starz TV, which went into liquidation on June 22, endangered any viewers who have epilepsy.

Their report states: "While Ofcom acknowledges that the licensee broadcast this music video in good faith, it is the responsibility of all broadcasters to ensure compliance with the Code before transmitting any material. On this occasion the licensee had failed to check and correctly identify broadcast material as problematic in advance of transmission."

Believe-it-or-not, these types of warnings are not the rarest thing in music videos. Jay-Z and Kanye had to put such a statement before their “N**gas in Paris” video, which Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy was quite thankful for.

The Throne’s “Paris” video is filled with strobe lights and quick edits. The warning before their video read, “This video has been identified by Epilepsy Action to potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised."

Another organization – the Epilepsy Therapy Project – was also quite thankful, telling TMZ it “appreciates the sensitivities that Kanye and Jay Z showed in appropriately warning individuals with photosensitive epilepsy that their video may cause seizures."

Check out the "Beez in the Trap" video below. Flashing lights (and some explicit language!), so ... viewer discretion advised.

Tags

Amy Winehouse: A Year Of Tributes

Posted 7/23/12 2:00 pm EST by in Amy Winehouse

Amy

When Amy Winehouse died on year ago, the music community immediately began to mourn one of the most unique voices the industry has ever heard. Soulful and full of vintage, beehived bravado, Winehouse played by her own rules, all the way up until July 23, 2011.

Shortly after her death, the tributes from those closest to her began pouring in. It kicked off with her longtime pal and collaborator Mark Ronson remembering his friend by performing their song, “Valerie.” During the performance, four days after her death, he shared, “She is my sister, wherever she is.”

>> Amy Winehouse's Death, One Year Later: Her Impact And What's Still To Come

The following month, Coldplay mashed up her star-making “Rehab” with their aptly titled track, “Fix You.” Weeks later, George Michael remembered the star at his show in Prague. He played her song “Love Is a Losing Game.” But, before he sang it, he shared, “In 30 years of making music, I was never actually in awe of anybody new that came along on the British scene until this lady arrived.”

At the 2012 MTV VMAs, Russell Brand recalled his friendship with the troubled singer, showing a lot of heart, as he remembered the brazen Brit. "This is not just another London chancer, not just another person milling about waiting to be famous," he said during the show. "What is this incredible sound? This timeless sound like a roar from the guts of humanity? The kind of voice that Billie Holiday sung with, the kind of voice that Ella Fitzgerald sung with."

Bruno Mars then lifted the mood a bit with his triumphant cover of "Valerie.” That same night, footage from her collaboration with Tony Bennett also aired. It featured the pair in the studio recording their duet, “Body and Soul.”

Get More: Bruno Mars, Amy Winehouse Medley/Valerie (Live), Music, More Music Videos

Arguably one of the greatest vocal heirs to the legacy that Winehouse had carved out belongs to Adele, who rose to fame shortly after the late singer. She paid homage to her in September, on what would have been her 28th birthday. “This is for Amy Winehouse, whose birthday it is today,” she told the room before performing Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love.”

In December, “VH1 Divas” remembered Amy with some of those closest to her recalling the times they spent with the songstress. Nas said, “Amy Winehouse was my true soul sister,” before adding, "I'm here to honor a woman who had enough soul to last a lifetime.” (Nas worked with Amy on his tracks “Like Smoke” and "Cherry Wine" from his new album Life is Good.)

>> Will Amy Winehouse's Posthumous Career Match Michael Jackson, Tupac?

The stage was then stormed by the likes of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (the latter of whom worked with her on her Back to Black album), Florence Welch and Wanda Jackson. The medley included her soul-killing breakup track "Back to Black" and her sassy anthem, "You Know I'm No Good."

This year, been-there-done-that music legend Patti Smith remembered Amy on the track “This Is The Girl,” off her June release, Banga. “I was actually amazed when I first heard [Winehouse] sing because she sings the songs of my generation with such authenticity,” she told “Nightline.” “For me, [Winehouse's death] was a real loss of a human being.”

Tags

Pink Reveals The Truth About Love Track Listing

Posted 7/23/12 1:05 pm EST by in Pink

Pink

By Meredith Goldberg-Morse

For those of you who can’t wait for Pink’s upcoming album, we’ve got a little something to tide you over. In addition to The Truth About Love cover art, we’ve got the track list for the sassy singer’s anticipated new album.

Check it out:

1. "Are We All We Are"
2. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)"
3. "Try"
4. "Just Give Me a Reason"
5. "True Love"
6. "How Come You’re Not Here"
7. "Sl*t Like You"
8. "The Truth About Love"
9. "Beam Me Up"
10. "Walk of Shame"
11. "Here Comes the Weekend"
12. "Where Did the Beat Go?"
13. "The Great Escape"

The Truth About Love, slated for a September 18 release, will be Pink’s first full-length album in four years. It’s also her first since giving birth to musically-gifted daughter Willow Sage, who lends her bell and bass-playing skills to two of the album’s tracks. Not bad for a one-year-old, huh?

The album’s infectious first single, Blow Me (One Last Kiss), has already entered the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. If this is any indication of things to come, expect Pink to take over radio airwaves come September.

Get More: Music News

Tags

The Killers Frontman Tells Fans What to Expect On Battle Born

Posted 7/23/12 12:15 pm EST by in The Killers

The Killers

By Zachary Swickey

Las Vegas-based pop rockers The Killers are currently prepping for the release of their fourth studio album Battle Born, which frontman Brandon Flowers has described as “going down a few different roads.”

Flowers talked to Billboard about the upcoming effort and newest single “Runaways,” saying it “definitely has a couple of brothers” on their latest disc.

"I had a good feeling about ['Runaways']," Flowers explained. “It's a great starting point, but there are more styles as well…We've never hid our influences, and we've always been loud and proud. This album is going down a few different roads, and you really get a taste of what we like as a band and what we think our strengths are."

It’s been a long road for The Killer’s fourth album – the band has taken more than a year to create it with five different producers. The music video for “Runaways” is expected to debut on July 26 on Vevo. The band has also booked upcoming appearances on “The Colbert Report,” “Late Show With David Letterman” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

On July 20, we reported that The Killers debuted three new tracks from their upcoming album live during a comeback gig in Asheville, North Carolina. The new songs performed include the hand-clapping “Miss Atomic Bomb,” the baroque synth-heavy “Flesh and Bones,” and the upbeat danceable number “Rising Tide.”

Battle Born drops September 18 via Island.

Read More...

Tags

Music Mashup King 3LAU Plans Tour Behind New Album, Dance Floor Filth 2

Posted 7/23/12 11:19 am EST by in Bands We Like, dance

By Madeline Zeppa

It’s no secret that electronic dance music (EDM) is sweeping the nation. With numerous music mashups and dubstep beats, DJ and house producer Justin Blau (aka 3LAU) is among the best out there.

A college student by day and a music master by night, Blau has kept his priorities straight. “I can't say I've truly balanced both because my mind can't be in both places at the same time, but I still managed to play 50 shows across the country and finish the semester strong,” Blau tells MTV News.

Producing remixes that have charted in the top 10 on both Beatport and Hype Machine, Blau is beginning to make a big impact on the electronic dance music scene. As the fanbase for the genre grows, so does the pressure to set yourself apart. “There are so many sub genres, varieties and experimental facets of EDM, it's one of the most versatile macro-genres out there. Not to mention, EDM is dance music, and dance is a universal language that celebrates life,” says Blau.

What surprised us most about Blau is that while he has been producing music for a while, he has only been creating music mashups for a little over a year. The DJ tells us that the whole experience has been life changing.

"I've come to understand that a crowd's reaction is determined equally by the music, the production and my physical energy, regardless of how far away they are. I often feel like a conductor, not just of the dancing and of the music, but of a powerful energy in the crowd,” says Blau. “I've felt an insane amount of progress. Now, I have my first remix available on Beatport, and many more projects in the works. Thus far, the unreleased projects I've been playing live have gotten unbelievable response, and I'm becoming more and more confident in my ability to make that transition.”

Blau is been planning a headlining nationwide tour this fall in support of Dance Floor Filth and his new album, Dance Floor Filth 2. He has also been doing charity work to support new schools.

When 3LAU's remix of "Back To New" came out on Beatport on April 30, Blau pledged to donate all proceeds from the sale of the track to Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in developing countries. He also committed to matching all purchases made on Beatport until he reached his fundraising goal.

Make sure you check out Dance Floor Filth 2 for some great music and a good cause!

Tags ,

567891011121314
SPONSORS
AD:
©2013 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. MTV and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.